THE MISSING PIECE

CHAPTER 5- THERE'S NO TURNING BACK

GRACE

-Okay, let's rewind. You were not paying attention at the meeting. You just answer to your dad automatically accepting a new responsibility that turned out to be a new job. Then you found out that this new job would require you to travel across the country...

-World maybe.

“Why do I even correct him, this is the worst scenario...” I feel my tears getting thicker.

-Worst, traveling across the world with Max, Milo, and Belle. For weeks, and you don't know for sure what you are going to do because the email was ambiguous. Does this sum up?

I couldn't hold back anymore and started to cry without control.

-I don't want to go, I want to stay here with you and my family. The boss hates me because I stupidly threatened him, and told him that I don't like him, which is true, but still.

-Why would you say that to your boss? Wait did you threaten him directly? Or was it all in your mind?

-I didn't know he was my boss, Noah! He is irritating and has this air of superiority! I hate it!

-Don't worry babe, just two or three weeks tops, the mail said weeks, right? Not a month. So you will be back in no time. Look at this as an opportunity to grow and get to know more things, just like a summer course abroad, but better, because you will be with the dogs and Belle.

I could feel myself getting calmer. I hugged him and tried to focus on his heartbeat. I started to control my breath so that I could stop crying. Minutes passed and Noah just kept stroking my head saying everything would be okay, that we would be okay. “I love him so much.” I took my head from his chest and looked him in the eyes.

-Thanks for that, you always know what to say.

-Listen to me, Grace. You are the strongest, most powerful, and most capable woman I have ever met. You can do this and anything that gets in your way, and I will be there for you every time.

With his words I felt unstoppable, my confidence was back and I knew he was right. Nothing has stopped me and nothing will. I stood up and started to walk to our room.

-Where are you going?

-Packing.

Opening the closet, my confidence crashed “Pack for every climate.” As if that's possible. “Just add formal winter clothes, and some for summer.” That way I can mix them and decide if I use the pants with something more light and be prepared for not that cold or hot weather. I started to throw the clothes on the bed. Now I only need shoes and accessories. That part was easier. I ended up with a bag with shoes and a suitcase with my clothes, makeup, and accessories. I heard the door open and saw Noah with a plate of pizza.

-You didn't eat lunch.

-I was just going to.

-Well, more like dinner.

I turned and saw the clock, it was already eight pm! “Did Noah go back to work?”

-Forget my lunch! You didn’t go back to work!

-Yeah, I did. I just arrived and saw the plate of pizza still in the microwave and Belle licking the glass of juice I had left on the table so that you could eat lunch.

-Sorry, I didn't notice the time and just packed.

-Did you pack everything in those two bags?

-Yes I did!

-Winter clothes? Pajamas? Formal clothes? High heels? Normal shoes? Underwear? Toothpaste? The leashes? Dog bowls? Belle’s stuff?

-Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, and no. I forgot the dogs and Belle were coming.

-Thoughts so, I would gather the dogs' stuff and you handle Belle´s, but after you finish that slice of pizza.

-Okay.

He smiled and exited the room. I just sat on the bed and started eating the pizza. Belle arrived and started to purr on my legs. The sound relaxed me and I decided to close my eyes and try to concentrate on what my life had become. I felt like a knock and scratches. I woke up and saw the time 5:30 am. “In one hour and a half, they will be here for me!” I quickly got up from bed and started to panic.

-Babe, what are you doing?

-Noah, I fell asleep and didn't prepare anything for Belle!

-Yes I noticed, so I did it for you. Sleep just twenty more minutes and then the alarm will wake us up, so we can have a shower and breakfast.

-Thank you!

I jumped back into bed and gave him a big kiss. I hugged him and went back to sleep. Those were the best twenty minutes of my life! “Don’t they already lasted like too long?” I opened my eyes and saw the time 6:46 AM. I grabbed Noah’s phone and realized he set the alarm for 5:50 PM! “Why did I trust him with the alarm!” It’s always the same thing with him. I selected my weapon, a pillow, and launched it into his face.

-You put the alarm on PM again. It's already late!

-What?! I’m so sorry babe, I will start breakfast and you change clothes!

-Don’t apologize, it’s also my fault. This was my responsibility and you helped me last night more than you should have.

He kissed me on the forehead and went to the kitchen. I started to change clothes and move my luggage to the front door. At that time, I heard the doorbell. I opened it and to my great surprise, there was Zac. “My new boss.” Yes, Mister Miller was in sweatpants and a light grey shirt.

-Are you done eyeing me? Can we leave now?

-Who was eyeing you? I just thought a driver would pick me up.

-You thought? or you preferred because you, what were the words… Yeah, I remember you don’t like me.

-I’m sorry for yesterday, Mister Miller, but trust me, I’m very professional with my work.

-I hope so.

He took my luggage and then saw him make a face as if something smelled bad, really bad. “I didn’t take a shower this morning, could I smell that bad?.” But I took one yesterday morning, I couldn’t possibly stink. “Maybe he doesn't like dog smell.” But the work involves pet-friendly activities, so that would be strange. I pulled my shirt to my nose and smelled, but no scent came to me.

-Should I also enter to pick up your pets or are you taking them out yourself?

-I will go!

The minute I turned around, I collided with Noah, who had both leashes of Milo and Max in one hand and Belle in her travel carrier.

-I got the dogs and Belle ready to go.

-Thanks, Noah.

I said as I turned to face Zac. “Mister Miller”.

-Mister Miller...

But I saw an unknown person.

-Sorry, who are you?

-Hello Miss Brown, I’m Daniel. I will be your driver today. Mister Miller is already expecting you in the car. I will take the dogs and the cat to the SUV.

-Well have a great trip, and eat the quesadillas. They were made with all my love.

He passed me a container that was a little hot and kissed me on the lips.

-We are going to miss the flight!

I heard Mister Miller’s voice and it startled me a bit.

-Goodbye Noah, I will call every night!

I ran to the car and saw Noah closing the apartment door. I held my tears and walked to the SUV, where my dogs were being placed in cages.

-Where are you going?

Zac said to me.

-To the SUV with my pets.

-No, you are going to drive with me.

I turned to see Mister Miller and next to him a beautiful Audi. I had never seen a car like that, it looked like a race car. Then I heard Max’s bark.

-Thanks, but I would prefer to be where my pets are.

-But that SUV has been modified and the only places to sit are the driver and co-pilot seats.

-Well, I will be Daniel’s co-pilot.

At that moment, he walked fast. He looked so angry I just closed my eyes and felt the wind passing by. “I think he passed me already.” I opened my eyes and saw the Audi already in motion, so I decided to walk to the SUV. I opened the co-pilot door and put on my seatbelt.

-Hello again Daniel.

-Hi, Miss Brown.

If looks can kill, I swear my stare could already explode his brain.

-What are you doing here?